Free Indian Food Recipes | Diet Food Recipes | Bread Recipes

Braided Loaf

1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup lukewarm milk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon milk, for glazing

Combine the yeast, honey, milk, and butter, stir, and leave for 15 minutes to dissolve. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and egg. With a wooden spoon, stir from the center, incorporating flour with each turn, to obtain a rough dough.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean bowl, cover, and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1½ hours.

Grease a baking sheet. Punch down the dough an divide into three equal pieces. Roll to shape each piece into a long thin strip.

Begin braiding from the center strip, tucking in the ends. Cover loosely and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375^oF. Place the bread in a cool place while oven heats. Brush with the glaze and bake until golden, 40-45 minutes. Set on a rack to cool completely.